"And the day came when the risk to remain in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom." ~ Anais Nin

Tight on Time: Holiday Fitness

Hands up if you’re one of the many to toss the towel in on fitness this time of year. Raise ’em up high if the reason is “no time.” It’s ok, because we’re about to change that. Don’t freak if it feels like just one more thing on your to-do list, it doesn’t have to be that way. Just a few minutes of activity will help you keep fit, burn off some holiday steam, and maybe an extra holiday cookie or two. You’ll sleep better, have more energy, keep your metabolism revved, and be way more full of the merry!

Start by choosing three days each week and committing to just 20-30 minutes. If you can and want to do more go for it, but remember that your goal here isn’t about weight loss, setting new gym bests or spending hours on the treadmill. In fact, forget “traditional” fitness altogether. Right now it’s about maintaining the norm, feeling good, and being proud of yourself on January 1–guilt-free and ready to get back to your goals in the New Year!

With that, a few tips to help you find some time to keep moving and stay fit this holiday:

It can be hard to break away from family and out-of-town guests. Institute a new tradition and follow your big family meals with a big family walk. It’ll aid digestion and help you keep your commitment.

Stuck indoors? Dust off that Wii or turn on some tunes and boogie! Get your kids to join you (they’ll have a blast). Try a circuit of body weight exercises like push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and squats. DVDs also travel easily with your laptop, and jump ropes, exercise bands and some sneakers pack easily into your suitcase.

Still tight on time? Speed walk through crowded malls, park in the boondocks, avoid moving walkways or other transportation at the airport; sprint between gates! If you’re traveling by car, take a speedy 10-minute walk before hopping back in after each potty break. Your 20-30 minutes do not have to be continuous to be effective.

Keep these few tips in mind and you can find a little time for fitness in everything you do. Get creative, relax, and have some fun! Happy Holidays!